Different Strings

There are some people who think that there's a fine line in the difference between Rock and Metal, but there is, in fact, a very great difference between the two genres.

The most significant difference between Rock and Metal is influence. Rock is, of course, the modern version of Rock N Roll, which is based off of Jazz and Blues. Metal, on the other hand, is more classically oriented.

So let's look at Rock first. Usually the rhythm section in a Rock band is loosely organized, with the bass lines arranged to be simple. For example, a Rock band might be playing in F minor with a I-IV-V chord progression; so the bass might play the root notes, or it might play broken chords. Also, the drum lines are normally straight forward and steady. Sometimes it can be simple like an alternation between the bass drum and the snare drum with eighth note feel on the hi-hat, or it can be like a jazzy sounding shuffle on the ride-bell.

For the guitar the riffs are generally kept simple, but without taking away from the melody (except, of course, during solos). Guitars are usually distorted in order to give them a heavier sound.

Generally, in Rock simple chords are used and complex chords like ninths and such are avoided. The simpler the chords, the heavier the sound. The chord progressions are usually very straight forward as well, revolving around the I-IV-V idea.

Metal, however, is based off of Classical theory and is therefore far more technical and meticulously organized. It also has a much more chaotic sound.

In the rhythm section the bass, drums, and guitar all link up to make a powerful and intense feel. The drums will often play lots of polyrhythms and ostinatos; or a very technical alternation between the bass drum and the snare drum, with any number of progressions used on the many cymbals in a drumkit. Then the bass will play either the root notes of the chords synchronized to the feel of the drums, or it'll play in unison with a guitar. The guitar usually plays riffs and phrases that link up with the band, often involving the degrees of the scale.

Any chord conceivable can be used in Metal, with the progressions here, there, and everywhere. Even though if you were to look at the chord charts for some metal songs you might think it to be absolute chaos, there is usually method to the madness.